Beyond 1894

Louisiana Tech Class of 2019 graduate Merix Gooden has more than made a name for himself in the photography and videography scene. He's made connections that have allowed him to put his camera on subjects like star NBA players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving and iconic musicians Drake and Lil Wayne. His self-published content has earned him millions and millions of social media views and an ever-growing following of admiring supporters. In this episode, Gooden talks about pursuing his passions and carving his own path as he sets his sights (and his lens) on a promising future.

Merix on Instagram: instagram.com/merixalex/

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

The international student population at Louisiana Tech is crucial to the University's culture and mission. Director of International Affairs Jay Ligon spends this episode discussing the enrollment and growth of students from other countries, the international recruiting strategies he and his team adhere to, and the impact of the international students on campus.

The Office of International Affairs: https://international.latech.edu/

Contact International Affairs on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/13182438593

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

An Le is one of two professors leading the charge for this year's ARCH 335 Design-Build course. Junior architecture students spend two full quarters' worth of time bringing a project to life from concept to reality at MedCamps, and with the program entering its tenth year, there are lots of monumental builds that stand as a testament to 335's efforts. Le was part of the design-build course as a student a few years ago, and she's got a unique perspective on the program since becoming one of the professors responsible for guiding the students' work. She talks about her passion for architecture and design-build, what she's learned transitioning to a teaching role not long after graduating, and the current fieldhouse construction from this year's cohort that will soon be complete. The end of the episode features some info on the dedication ceremony from School of Design professor Brad Deal.

ARCH 335 on Instagram: instagram.com/designstudio335/

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

A dynamic duo from Louisiana Tech's Division of Nursing, Dr. Sherry Peveto and Dr. Melissa Madden, spend this episode discussing the choices that led them to nursing, the evident potential and early results of Tech's new RN to BSN program, and the quality and preparedness of the high-caliber students that earn their pins in the Tech nursing program.

RN to BSN: https://online.latech.edu/programs/nursing-bsn/

Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

From one LA to the other, Emmy-winning entertainment marketing professional Lori Shefa's time at Louisiana Tech laid the foundation for a successful career. She discusses the almost-accidental choices that led to her life in the entertainment industry, the frenetic energy that comes with working on projects like CBS Super Bowl ads and primetime television trailers, and the joys of constantly finding ways to express her creativity.

Lori's RM 15 podcast: https://rm15.buzzsprout.com/

Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

After a record-setting showing for 2023's Louisiana Tech Giving Day, the 2024 event is shaping up to be another example of the strength of the Tech Family. Director of Annual Giving Lindsey Murry joins the podcast for this episode to talk through the impacts of the University's million-dollar Giving Days past, the best ways to rally to the cause on the big day (April 18), and the rewarding aspects of her role in seeing the connections grow through meaningful gifts and beyond.

Giving Day 2024: louisianatechgivingday.org

Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

This episode features Dr. Lindsey Vincent, a loyal blue Louisiana Tech grad who has let the University guide her professional and personal paths for years. The associate dean of research, outreach, and innovation and director of SciTEC recounts the decisions that led her to Ruston, the exciting work and special people in the College of Education and Human Sciences, and the recent successes that weave a promising future for all.

SciTEC: https://education.latech.edu/research-outreach-innovation/scitec/

Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

Not too many people leave their educational fate up to chance, but Dr. Judith Roberts ended up at Louisiana Tech because of a coin toss. It's a gamble that paid off, as the communication professor spends this episode discussing how transformative her experiences in Ruston have been and the joys of the program she teaches and the students she serves. One of those students, senior Madeline Kalmbach, is this episode's guest host as an intern in the Office of University Communications.

School of Communication: https://liberalarts.latech.edu/communication/

Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

Three Louisiana Tech students, each from a different cohort of the UL System's Reginald F. Lewis Scholars program, join together to discuss the background of their scholarship, experiencing international cultures abroad, becoming young black male leaders on campus, and how their sense of community is impacted through outreach and service. Jayden Johnson (cohort 3), Joseph Johnson (cohort 2), and Da'Voznik Armstrong (cohort 1) also take some time during this Black History Month episode to reflect on their college experiences and how the scholarship program has changed them.

The Reginald F. Lewis Scholars: https://www.ulsystem.edu/rflewis-scholars/

Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

Dr. Marcia Dickerson, the Francis R. Mangham Endowed Professor of Management in the College of Business, knows that management is a make-or-break area of business for all entities. She discusses her 20-year Louisiana Tech career, her passion for human resources and her beginnings in HR, and how the students she serves and the faculty she works with inspire her daily.

Louisiana Tech MBA: https://business.latech.edu/master-of-business-administration/

Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]